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Carlos Ghosn says he is wrongly accused

Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn has maintained his innocence in his first court appearance since his shock arrest in Japan last year.

He has been in custody since November and faces allegations of financial misconduct.

In a prepared statement, Mr Ghosn said he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained".

His lawyers requested the court hearing to address the reasons for his lengthy detention.

Japanese prosecutors have charged Mr Ghosn with financial misconduct and accuse him of under-reporting his pay package.

Mr Ghosn, a towering figure of the auto industry, appeared at the Tokyo District court wearing a dark suit and looking visibly thinner.

"I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," his prepared statement read.

The 64-year-old said he never received any compensation from Nissan that was not disclosed.

Mr Ghosn said he had "never been accused of any wrongdoing," and had dedicated two decades to "reviving Nissan".

Speaking at a news conference in Tokyo later in the day, Mr Ghosn's lawyer said there was no reason to detain him and called on prosecutors to carry out a more cautious and thorough investigation, Reuters reported.

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Image caption An artist's sketch of Carlos Ghosn in a Tokyo court on Tuesday

His initial arrest nearly two months ago shocked the industry and his lengthy detention has drawn some criticism.

But a judge in the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday said Mr Ghosn's detention was justified to prevent possible evidence-tampering and the risk that he might flee, according to reports.